"Let me make it very clear - it will be a Labor member who runs in the seat of Ashgrove," she said.

"Chris Davis is not a member of the ALP. Chris Davis will not be the Labor candidate in Ashgrove."

Ms Palaszczuk said she was talking with Labor's former Ashgrove MP Kate Jones about running in the electorate.

"This is the $64 million question. However, it is a matter for Kate to take some time at the moment. She's just had a baby and I'll be having some discussions with her over the coming weeks," she said.

First step is to join the party: Palaszczuk

Ms Palaszczuk said it was a matter for the Labor Party to decide if a membership application was accepted.

"We're a broad church and anyone is welcome to join the Labor Party but there are steps that people must go through to become a member of the Labor Party, and that first step is to actually sign an application form," she said.

"My understanding is that has not happened."

Earlier, ALP assistant state secretary Evan Moorhead said discussions with Dr Davis had not progressed very far.

"Dr Davis would have to go through the normal membership application eligibility process as every other member has to and go through a vote of local branch members to get pre-selected," he said.

"I think in terms of Ashgrove if there is someone who does have that eligibility, they would be entitled to run and Dr Davis wouldn't."

Newman pledges to 'continue delivering' for Ashgrove

Mr Newman said he was not concerned about who may run against him in Ashgrove at the next election.

"Just as I have a strong plan for Queensland, I have a strong plan which I've been delivering in my electorate," he said.

"My electorate has seen improved outcomes for schools, for the environment, for community groups, like the sporting groups.